US Bridges

US 71-POLK CO over Ouachita River

Fair

Polk County, Arkansas · 4.95 M NE JCT SH 8 · Structure no. 000000000003885

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
202 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,100
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71-POLK CO over Ouachita River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 71-POLK CO over Ouachita River in Polk County, Arkansas. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 years old, older than the Arkansas average of 45.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 3,100 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,737 by 2028. The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 71-POLK CO
CrossesOuachita River
Location4.95 M NE JCT SH 8
RouteU.S. Route 71
CountyPolk County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.64334, -94.19918
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length202 ft (61.6 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,100 (2018)
Projected traffic3,737 by 2028
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 71-POLK CO over Ouachita River built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71-POLK CO over Ouachita River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does US 71-POLK CO over Ouachita River carry?

About 3,100 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 71-POLK CO over Ouachita River?

The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 71-POLK CO over Ouachita River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.